Abilio Martins

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1947–1980s

Genres

samba, samba-enredo

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Abilio Martins was a prominent Brazilian singer and samba-enredo composer, widely recognized for his powerful and distinctive voice. Born in 1938, Martins began his career in the samba scene, with his origins deeply rooted in the Império Serrano samba school, which he joined from its foundation in 1947. He was the nephew of the legendary Mano Décio da Viola, a significant figure in Brazilian samba. Martins' early involvement included parading in the "Ala dos Periquitos" and later becoming an Imperial soloist. His career as a samba-enredo interpreter and puxador (lead singer) officially began in 1959 with Império Serrano, for whom he co-wrote the samba-enredo "Exaltação ao Brasil holandês" with Chocolate do Salgueiro and Mano Décio. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Abilio Martins became known for his interpretations of sambas for various samba schools, earning a reputation for his vocal prowess and rhythmic precision. He recorded several albums and participated in numerous compilations of samba-enredo, including "As 10 grandes Escolas de samba – Sambas-enredo 1970" and "Os Maiores Sambas-Enredo de todos os tempos Vol. II." His distinctive voice was also featured in the soundtrack of the 1977 telenovela "Sinhazinha Flô," where his song "Terra que é meu Coração" was included. Martins' influence extended to other artists, with Neguinho da Beija-Flor being a declared admirer. His career as a performer and composer left a significant mark on the history of Rio de Janeiro's carnival.

Abilio Martins' discography includes solo albums such as "Voltei" (1970) and "Isto É Samba Autêntico" (1969), as well as numerous participations in collective albums featuring samba-enredo from various carnival seasons. He was also credited as a composer for several sambas, often in collaboration with other renowned artists like Mano Décio da Viola and Chocolate do Salgueiro. His work as a puxador was highly regarded, and he lent his voice to sambas for schools beyond Império Serrano, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the carnival tradition. The Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira lists his artistic data and contributions, highlighting his role as a singer and composer within the Brazilian musical landscape.

Beyond his direct contributions to samba and carnival, Abilio Martins' legacy is also tied to his deep connection with the Império Serrano community and his role in preserving and promoting the samba-enredo genre. His collaborations and performances solidified his place as one of the memorable voices of Rio's carnival. While specific details about his later years are less documented, his impact on Brazilian popular music, particularly samba, remains undeniable. His nephew, Arlindo Neto, also became a known figure in samba, continuing the family's musical legacy.

Discography

• E.S. Portela – Solistas: Abilio Martins e Zézinho – Grandes Sucessos da E.S. Portela (1962)
• Escola de Samba Império Serrano com a Participação de Gilberto Alves, Roberto Silva e Abilio Martins – Samba, Oração do Morro (1963)
• Atenção Isto É Samba Autêntico (1969)
• Voltei (1970)
• O Cacique de Ramos